Phenomena that cannot be explained by the known laws of science
are occurring across the globe, caused by the action of a free and
intelligent will.

Reason dictates that an intelligent effect must have an intelligent
power as its cause, and facts have proven that this force is able to communicate
with humanity using material signs.

When questioned as to its nature, this force has declared itself belonging
to the world of spiritual beings that have shed the physical
envelope of humans. This is how Spiritism has been revealed to us.

Communication between the spirit world and the physical world
is natural and has no supernatural character. This is why traces of its
existence are found across all nations and in every time period. They
have become widespread and clear to all.

The spirits assure us that the time chosen by Providence for a universal
manifestation has come and that their mission, as God’s servants
and agents of Divine will, is to educate and enlighten mankind, and
usher in a new era of renewal for humanity.

This book is a compilation of these spirit teachings. It has been
written under the dictation of superior spirits for the purpose of establishing
the foundation of a logical philosophy, completely free of prejudices
and preconceived notions. Everything contained in this book
is the expression of their thought or has obtained their approval. The
order and methodical arrangement of its contents, the comments, and
the form given to certain segments of the work are all that has been
contributed by the individuals responsible for its publication.

Many of the spirits who have contributed to this book informed that
they lived on Earth during different times when they preached and practiced
virtue and wisdom. History has not preserved the names of others,
but their elevation is undeniable in the integrity of their concepts and
their union with the spirits of well-respected fgures in history.

The following are the terms under which the task of preparing this
book was entrusted to the author, recorded through the assistance of
various mediums:

“Be fervent and determined in the work you have undertaken with
us, for this work is ours. We will lay down the foundations of the new
structure to be built, which is destined to unite all humanity in a common
sense of love and charity. Before its publication, we will review it
with you to ensure the precision of every last detail.”

“We will be with you whenever you request our presence and to
assist you in all your endeavors. This is only a part of the mission
that has been disclosed to you, and of which one of us has already
informed you.”

“Out of all the teachings provided to you, some are to be kept to
yourself for now. We will tell you when the time has come for their disclosure.
Meanwhile, meditate over these teachings so that you will be
ready when we notify you that the right time has come.”

“Place the vine branch we have drawn (1) for this specifc purpose at
the beginning of the book. It is the insignia of God’s work and unites
all the material elements that best symbolize the body and spirit: the
stem represents the body; the juice is the spirit; and the soul or union
of the body and the spirit is the grape. Human beings refne the spirit
through labor, and it is only through the physical labor of the body
that the spirit acquires knowledge.”

“Do not be discouraged by critics. You will encounter malicious
detractors, especially those whose interests lie in maintaining existing
maltreatments and exploitations. You will even encounter opponents
among spirits, because those who are not fully detached from the physical
world often work, either motivated by malice or ignorance, to scatter
seeds of doubt. Believe in God, and boldly forge ahead. We will be
with you to support you every step of the way and soon the truth will
shine like a great beacon spreading light to every corner of the Earth.”

“The vanity of some individuals who think that they know everything
and insist on explaining everything in their own way will create
conficting opinions. Nevertheless, all who keep Jesus’ teachings in
their hearts will be united in the same love of goodness and will share
a bond of brotherhood that will embrace the entire world. Dismissing
pointless disputes over words, they will devote their energies to essential matters. The philosophy of all who receive the communications
of superior spirits will be the same at heart.”

“Perseverance alone is the key to accomplishing your work. The
pleasure you will feel in witnessing the spread of Spiritism and its rightful
appreciation will be a rich reward, though perhaps this will be enjoyed
in the future rather than in the present. Do not worry about
thorns and stones that skeptics and the wicked will cast in your path.
Cling to your confdence, for it will ensure that you reach your goal
and that you will always merit assistance.”

“Remember that good spirits only provide assistance to those who
serve God with humility and impartiality. They reject all who use heaven
as a means of accessing earthly possessions, and pull away from the
proud and ambitious. Pride and ambition constitute a barrier between
humankind and God. They hide the splendors of heavenly existence
from humanity and God cannot use the blind to enlighten others.”